Shorebird Gallery

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Black-necked Stilts, American Avocets and Blue-winged teal feed in this shallow Delta pond in August. SeptemberThe American Avocet has a upturned black bill, which it sweeps through the water from side to side while feeding. September: MS Delta The American Avocet breeds mainly in western and mid-western states. They pass through the Delta during fall migration. September: MS DeltaThe striking black and white wing pattern and all white body are noticeable field marks. Juvenile avocets have a cinnamon tinge on the neck and head. Adults in breeding plumage have a pinkish tinge on the head and neck. September: MS DeltaBlack-necked Stilt: April-Mississippi Delta.The Black-necked Stilt has unusually long, red legs. The male is black above, with a white rump and tail, and all white below. The female has more brownish upperparts. June: MS DeltaMost Black-necked Stilt sightings in Mississippi are along the Gulf Coast, but the Delta also hosts localized groups of birds during spring and fall migration. June: MS DeltaThis Stilt was feeding in a shallow impoundment in the Delta in June. Stilts breed in southern Florida, along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, and in marshy areas of the mid-western states. A few have been noted breeding in the Delta. June: MS DeltaA pair of Stilts on an exposed mudflat in an abandoned catfish pond. You can see where they get the name "stilt". August: MS DeltaLesser Yellowlegs feeding among the flooded barnyardgrass in a shallow pond. September: MS DeltaLesser Yellowlegs stretching its wings: April-MS Delta catfish pondLesser YellowlegsLesser YellowlegsGreater Yellowlegs (background) with Lesser Yellowlegs (left) and Long-billed Dowitcher (right).Greater Yellowlegs feeding with Long-billed Dowitcher.Long-billed Dowitcher pulling breakfast from the mudflat.Long-billed Dowitcher.Least Sandpipers on a sandbar in the Mississippi River. Least Sandpipers feed in loose flocks, moving along the waterline while probing the moist soil for food. August. Sandpipers taking a break from the broiling afternoon sun. August.Least Sandpiper: April: MS Delta catfish pond.Least Sandpipers probing an exposed mudflat in a drained catfish pond. April: MS Delta.Spotted Sandpiper: April-MS Delta catfish pond.Wilson's Snipe. Snipe prefer marshy, open habitat and will sometimes remain motionless, relying on their superb camoflauge to avoid detection. April: MS DeltaThe Wilson's Snipe and the American Woodcock are the only two shorebirds that can be hunted under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Snipe migrate south to the Delta in late fall and return to breeding grounds in the north in spring.Killdeer. Our most recognized shorebird, the killdeer can be seen virtually anywhere in North America. They prefer to nest in areas of gravel, particularly gravel roads and parking lots. April.Female Wilson's Phalarope in breeding plumage. April: MS Delta catfish pond.Wilson's Phalarope Pectoral Sandpiper. April: MS Delta catfish pond.Pectoral Sandpiper (foreground) with Least Sandpipers. April: MS Delta catfish pond.Solitary Sandpiper: April-MS DeltaSolitary Sandpiper. April: MS Delta catfish pond.Solitary SandpiperUpland Sandpiper in a grassy farm field. April: MS Delta.Upland Sandpiper.Dunlin. April: MS Delta catfish pond.Semipalmated Plover. April: MS Delta catfish pond.Semipalmated Plovers resting on one leg.Marbled Godwit in drained catfish pond. September: MS Delta